Q: Shalom Rabbi. What do you mean when you write that it is necessary to “formally accept the seven mitzvot of Bnei Noach”? Is somebody who makes a personal decision on his own to perform the mitzvot considered a Ben Noach in the eyes of God, without any need to disclose this decision to anybody else? Or is it necessary to meet with some formal authority, such as is necessary for converts to Judaism?

A: A formal body is required, consisting of three rabbis who sit as a beit din, a religious court. There are several groups of rabbis who are ready to form a beit din whenever a request is received. The Noahide World Center has such a group of rabbis who are familiar with the necessary procedures.